Harvey has become the Mets' stopper

May 01, 2013|Reuters

The Sports Xchange

MLB Team Report - New York Mets - INSIDE PITCH

Matt Harvey may only be 24, but he is pitching like an ace. And the Mets are starting to talk about him that way. Prior to Harvey's latest start against the Marlins, manager Terry Collins classified Harvey as a "stopper."

"All the great ones are like that," Collins said. "There are certain guys (who) keep you from having losing streaks. Right now Matt's in that position for us."

Collins certainly had reason to put Harvey into that category. The Mets were undefeated in Harvey's first five starts, before finally dropping a 15-inning game in his sixth outing despite carrying a lead into the ninth.

They have also learned a little something about Harvey recently. The right-hander has admittedly not possessed his best fastball in either of his last two starts, but he has gutted through relatively successful outings nonetheless.

Last week against the Dodgers, Harvey submitted a quality start in a game the Mets won late. Five days later, he delivered 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball despite a pitch count that rose to a career-high 121.

"Again, Matt got us to where we needed to get," Collins said. "We just can't drive any runs in."

--RHP Shaun Marcum, who volunteered to pitch out of the bullpen in Monday's 15-inning loss to the Marlins, said he still expects to pitch his normal turn. If so, he will pitch Friday in Atlanta.

--C John Buck went 3 for 4 with a two-run double Wednesday against the Marlins. He leads all National League players with 27 RBI. He is also just one RBI behind AL leaders Miguel Cabrera and Chris Davis.

--OF Jordany Valdespin hit a pinch-hit three-run homer on Wednesday. It was his 10th career homer and his sixth as a pinch hitter. He tied Ed Kranepool, Rusty Staub and Scott Hairston for second place on the list of Mets with the most pinch-hit homers. The leader is Mark Carreon, who had eight.

--3B David Wright had a big game Wednesday despite battling neck stiffness. Wright went 3-for-5 with a double and a solo homer. He also had a game-saving barehanded play at third base to save the game for New York.

--RHP Dillon Gee made his first start at Marlins Park on Wednesday and didn't do all that well. He lasted five innings and allowed nine hits, two walks and four runs. He struck out just one.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "For some reason, Jordany loves to come off the bench when the heat is on. It's amazing but his eyes seem to get bigger, and he sees the ball better." -- Manager Terry Collins, after OF Jordany Valdespin hit three-run, pinch-hit homer to help the Mets beat Miami 7-6 on Wednesday.

-----------------------------------------------

MLB Team Report - New York Mets - ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--3B David Wright (neck stiffness) did not start April 29 but came on as a pinch-hitter in the 13th inning. He suffered the injury April 28. He returned to the lineup April 30.

--RHP Shaun Marcum (nerve inflammation in neck) was activated from the 15-day disabled list April 27. He originally went on the 15-day disabled list March 22. He received injections for a nerve inflammation in his neck April 4, and he threw 41 pitches in an extended spring training game April 18. He also threw five innings in a rehab start April 22.

--RHP Frank Francisco (right elbow inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22. He began a rehab assignment with Class A St. Lucie on April 17 and last pitched April 20. He threw 25 pitches on the side April 27 but hasn't seen game action since April 20.

--RHP Jenrry Mejia (right elbow inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22. He's expected to be out until mid-May.

--LHP Johan Santana (torn left shoulder capsule) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 6. He underwent season-ending surgery April 2.

--LHP Pedro Feliciano (left shoulder surgery in September 2011) began pitching for Class A St. Lucie on April 15, with the goal of increasing arm strength. He isn't on the Mets' disabled list, as he signed a minor league contract in February.

--LHP Tim Byrdak (left shoulder surgery in September 2012) re-signed with the Mets on a minor league deal. He might miss the entire season.